An #elk calf walks through a mountain meadow with a large bull. Taken back in October at Rocky Mountain National Park, this bull was keeping close track of his harem of 15 or so cows. The calf seemed pretty interested in the adult’s work and stayed close by his side while the bull patrolled.
Freedom flyby
A purposeful detour after work took me to ‘Raptor Road’ as I like to call it – a spot near Denver that usually has a variety of cool raptors. I was rewarded with multiple Bald Eagles including this one for which I had to slam on the brakes and come to a screeching halt from 40mph. Good thing it isn’t a busy road. 😉
Northern Harrier takes a break
It isn’t too often that you find these #hawks sitting still but I got lucky and found this female sitting on a post. Normally when you see a harrier they are flying 5 to 15 feet above the ground with their head looking down focused on hunting for its next prey. You can view some more pics of these raptors from the day I took this image here.
Gentle giant grazes on willows
This bull moose was quite at peace as it grazed on willows at Brainard Lake, Colorado back in July.
Moose are the largest member of the deer family although the sub-species we have here in Colorado, the Shiras moose, are the smallest of moose sub-species. That however does not mean they are truly small. They can stand six feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,200 pounds! You cannot begin to appreciate their size until you are up close with one.
You can learn more about these massive, impressive animals here.
Tatanka Tuesday
Tatanka is a Lakota word that translated means “bull buffalo.” The American bison is an absolutely extraordinary animal. Once hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th century, it has rebounded well thanks to refuges, state and national parks and private stocks.
This particular bull cast me a rather evil eye and I have to admit was somewhat intimidating when you throw in the drool. 😉 Thankfully I was safely in my truck when I took this picture.
I’m ignoring you!
A juvenile Bald Eagle seemed less than thrilled that a young Red Tailed Hawk joined him on his perch yesterday. The hawk soon headed off, apparently getting the idea of the cold shoulder.
Juvenile Bald Eagle takes flight
I’ve posted pictures of this particular young eagle before but no flight shots. Saturday finally gave me the opportunity to snap a very nice one just after it launched itself into the air. This eagle and another juvenile have taken up residence in an area northeast of Denver, Colorado and can be seen regularly. Yesterday I actually watched this one chase off a mature eagle that had dared to land on a pole within its territory.
Young Bighorn Sheep rams lock horns
Taken in Waterton Canyon, Colorado back in October. Not old enough to do battle with the big boys, this pair of young rams was testing their mettle against each other in preparation for the day when they would be fighting for females’ affection.
House Finch hangs out
Well, after my Broncos lost today, I am looking for some peace of mind. Maybe looking at little bird pictures will cheer me up. Nah. Probably not. 🙁
Kestrel stare down
This female American Kestrel was quite patient but also quite on alert as I snapped pictures of her northeast of Denver, Colorado yesterday. These little falcons are normally quite skittish so it was nice to be able to find one that let me get some closeups.